Scientists Have Developed Ultrasonic Drill Bits That Can Smash Blood Clots

Researchers from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed an ultrasound "bit" that uses low-frequency intravascular ultrasound to break blood clots that cause deep venous blood clots. It can be directed straight to the target, allowing the doctor to better target blood clots and significantly reduce treatment time. Currently, this technology has been tested in artificial blood vessels. The findings were published in the Nature issue of Scientific Reports.

Existing intravascular ultrasound tools for removing blood clots emit transverse ultrasound, which makes it difficult to target clots, and lateral means that ultrasound may also destroy surrounding blood vessels. However, ultrasound breaks the blood clot into small pieces, and the ultrasonic cell pulverizer does not need to use a large dose of blood diluent to dissolve the debris of the blood clot. Another technique uses a diamond tip to effectively break through blood clots, which is clearly more targeted, and the risk of blood vessel disruption by ultrasound cell disruption is less. However, this technique can only break up blood clots into larger pieces and require higher doses of blood to dilute the drug, which can also be a risk. The new ultrasound tool works on the front, like a drill, but still breaks down the blood clot into very fine particles. This method improves accuracy and does not depend on high doses of blood thinner, which may reduce risk overall. . The tool also incorporates a spray tube that allows the user to inject microbubbles into the clot so that the ultrasound is more effective at breaking the clot.

The researchers tested it through a prototype device using synthetic blood vessels and bovine blood. The researchers found that 90% of the clots could be dissolved in 3.5-4 hours without the use of any blood thinner. In contrast, a combination of conventional ultrasound tools and blood thinners takes 10 hours.

The feasibility of in vitro experiments has made researchers more confident that they are getting funding to advance the process of animal model testing. Researchers have applied for patents for this technology and are interested in working with industry partners to develop the device.